Ancient Empires of China & Japan

Your fare excludes:

Day 1: Fly To Beijing

Fly to China’s historical capital, Beijing. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Includes: Dinner

Day 2: Walk On The Great Wall

This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. In the afternoon, enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace. End the day enjoying a traditional Peking Duck dinner.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Explore The Forbidden City

Begin the day soaking up the harmonious ambience of the glorious Temple of Heaven where you can mingle with the locals and watch or participate as they practise Tai Chi, dance or play cards. Next, take a leisurely stroll in a traditional hutong neighbourhood and visit a family at home, to learn about life living in the hutongs. Later, head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, before entering the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City to explore this complex full of imperial riches.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Travel To Xian

Board the bullet train to the ancient city of Xian. Upon arrival, enjoy some time at leisure at Xian's Muslim Quarter, where you will find an array of food stalls selling a wealth of flavours. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling dinner and a lively Tang Dynasty dance show.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Terracotta Warriors

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors, followed by a visit to the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate them. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Fly To Guilin

Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Guilin, best known for its incredible natural landscapes.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Visit Reed Flute Cave

Begin today at the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Cave and visit the South China Pearl Factory. Later, stroll around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon Pagodas - two towering examples of traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Cruise The Li River

Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks tower over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. Here, enjoy some time strolling along West Street and visit the local markets.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Fly To Shanghai

Return to Guilin by road, then fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Explore Shanghai

Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Start with a visit to the peaceful Yu Garden and pass through the old town. Admire the colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund and Nanjing Road, where you will also be able to enjoy some time at leisure before visiting a Silk Factory. View the city at night from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Goodbye China, Hello Japan

It’s time to say goodbye to China and hello to Japan! Fly to the vibrant city of Osaka.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Osaka Castle

Explore Osaka Castle, take a short cruise along the Yodogawa River and stroll through vibrant Dotonbori, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample local delicacies for lunch. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Discover Okayama & Kurashiki

Transfer by bullet train to Okayama and visit Korakuen Garden, one of the three great gardens of Japan. Continue to Kurashiki to explore the beautifully-preserved Bikan Historical Quarter, where the streets along the banks of the Kurashiki River are lined with white-walled kominka (traditional houses). Continue to Hiroshima, a vibrant and forward-thinking city.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Explore Hiroshima & Miyajima

Hop on a ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit Itsukushima Shrine. After lunch, return to Hiroshima and find a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing. Later, ascend to the observation deck of Orizuru Tower and enjoy the panoramic views.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Travel To Kyoto

Transfer by bullet train to Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital for 1,000 years. Visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous Zen garden and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Explore Kyoto

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, remarkable for its 10,000 torii gates and then head to Nishiki Market, also known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’ with its lively open-air market specialising in all things food! Also visit a restored wooden Japanese townhouse to experience the rituals of a tea ceremony and try your hand at the traditional art of origami.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Bullet Train To Hakone

Transfer by bullet train to Hakone. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi before venturing up the Komagatake Ropeway where the views of the surrounding landscape and Mt Fuji are breathtaking, but weather dependent of course! Later, continue to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Contrasts Of Tokyo

Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you will find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Begin at the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, before wandering through the old district of Asakusa. Stop to explore the ancient Buddhist Sensoji Temple and drive past the Imperial Palace Plaza. Later, soak up the atmosphere at the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine. End your tour with a dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 19-20: Fly Tokyo To Australia

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

Includes: Breakfast

* The above itinerary is subject to change.

• 18 Mar 2025 - 05 Apr 2025
  from $13,890 pp twin share / $16,370 pp solo
• 06 May 2025 - 24 May 2025
  from $13,480 pp twin share / $15,960 pp solo
• 09 Sep 2025 - 27 Sep 2025
  from $13,480 pp twin share / $15,960 pp solo
• 07 Oct 2025 - 25 Oct 2025
  from $13,890 pp twin share / $16,370 pp solo
• 14 Oct 2025 - 01 Nov 2025
  from $13,890 pp twin share / $16,370 pp solo
• 21 Oct 2025 - 08 Nov 2025
  from $13,890 pp twin share / $16,370 pp solo
• 28 Oct 2025 - 15 Nov 2025
  from $14,490 $13,890 pp twin share / $16,970 / $16,370 pp solo
• 10 Mar 2026 - 28 Mar 2026
  from $14,580 $13,980 pp twin share / $17,060 / $16,460 pp solo
• 17 Mar 2026 - 04 Apr 2026
  from $14,580 pp twin share / $17,060 pp solo
• 24 Mar 2026 - 11 Apr 2026
  from $14,580 pp twin share / $17,060 pp solo
• 31 Mar 2026 - 18 Apr 2026
  from $14,580 $13,980 pp twin share / $17,060 / $16,460 pp solo
• 07 Apr 2026 - 25 Apr 2026
  from $14,580 pp twin share / $17,060 pp solo
• 05 May 2026 - 23 May 2026
  from $14,280 $13,680 pp twin share / $16,760 / $16,160 pp solo
• 12 May 2026 - 30 May 2026
  from $14,280 pp twin share / $16,760 pp solo
• 08 Sep 2026 - 26 Sep 2026
  from $14,280 $13,680 pp twin share / $16,760 / $16,160 pp solo
• 15 Sep 2026 - 03 Oct 2026
  from $14,280 pp twin share / $16,760 pp solo
• 06 Oct 2026 - 24 Oct 2026
  from $14,580 $13,980 pp twin share / $17,060 / $16,460 pp solo
• 13 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
  from $14,580 pp twin share / $17,060 pp solo
• 03 Nov 2026 - 21 Nov 2026
  from $14,580 pp twin share / $17,060 pp solo

Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.

Mercure Beijing Downtown - Beijing
The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown is very well connected across the city, with easy access to the city centre and multiple transport links. The elegant and spacious guests rooms offer free internet access and satelite TV.

Lanxi International Hotel - Xian
A short distance from Xian's historic old town, the 4-star Lanxi International hotel features a terrace for you to enjoy, as well as an indoor pool and hot tub. The modern guest rooms offer a private bathroom, desk and flat screen TV.

Lijiang Waterfall Hotel - Guilin
Located in Guilin’s city center and opposite the attractive Sun and Moon pagodas, the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel offers luxury rooms equipped with a flat screen satellite television, a minibar, a safety deposit box and a stunning en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The hotel also boasts an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Western cuisines in the onsite restaurant.

Elite Garden Hotel - Yangshuo
In the centre of Yangshuo, the 4-star Elite Garden Hotel offers spacious guest rooms designed and decorated to make you feel at home, all equipped with free internet access, complimentary bottled water and a coffee machine. The private bathrooms include both bath and shower facilities.

Hongqiao Jin Jiang Hotel - Shanghai
Located in the heart of bustling Shanghai and nearby airport, the Jin Jiang Hongqiao Hotel welcomes visitors to a luxurious and relaxing retreat from the city. Guests will have easy access to the major metropolitan area as well as the Shanghai Public Library and Honggiao Golf Club.

Respire Osaka - Osaka
Set in the heart of Osaka, the Respire Osaka features spacious ensuite guest rooms with air conditioning, a flat screen TV and free WiFi. The hotel was designed to help guests forget the hustle and bustle of the city around them and features the unique charm and character of Osaka.

Grand Prince Hotel - Hiroshima
Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, Grand Prince Hotel offers 5 dining options, a seasonal outdoor pool and hot spring baths. Air-conditioned rooms with a large picture window and a flat-screen TV await guests of the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima.

Rihga Gran Kyoto - Kyoto
Located near the hub of transportation Kyoto station and many of Kyoto's top attractions, the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is in a great location for exploring this beautiful city. It's contemporary guest rooms are complete with Japanese touches and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel features many facilities, including six restaurants, a luxurious bar, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness gym.

Sunshine City Prince Hotel - Tokyo
The Sunshine Prince is located in Sunshine City, a shopping and entertainment hub of Tokyo and close to Ikebukuro Station, providing convenient transport links to the rest of the city. The hotel's en-suite rooms are simple, comfortable and traditionally furnished with a television, electric kettle, a mini fridge and a safety deposit box. Facilities in the hotel include onsite restaurants serving Japanese, Cantonese and Western cuisines, a café and bar and a 24 hour convenience store.